As the emails keep pouring in around the concentrating and thinning of my Bond collection, one email truly made me pause. It was from a gentleman overseas who was dismayed by my decision. He explained that he is from a war torn country where internet is spotty at best but when it is clear, he enjoys watching the Bond lifestyle videos and Remmerts page.
He was extremely excited about the launch of The Bond Experience and often visited it multiple times a day, not just to check for new content but to also make sure that he saw that there were others like him out there that enjoyed the passion around the Bond lifestyle.
You see…for him, he NEEDED to see that support on a daily basis as it was his escape…his sanctuary. Living in a war torn country and hearing gun shots, bombs and cries nightly, he has learned to cope by immersing himself into the world of Bond.
At times he himself is a spy, on mission and deftly defying the mayhem and chaos just outside this window. This short fantasy allows him to sleep at night and often comforts his racing mind so he can do his daily work.
Reading responses to the Bond blogs allows him to feel a camaraderie to others around the world that he hasn’t met but feels a kinship with.
He especially noted how moving the Your Bond Experiences have been and he eagerly awaits each new one. As you can imagine I have asked him to write his own, if he feels compelled.
But the one plea he made to me, after seeing some of my collection for sale, was not to grow up too soon!
I didnt quite understand what he meant at first but as I read on he assumed that my collection was being thinned because I had suddenly grown OUT OF BOND and quite possibly grown up! His outcry was not around selfish requests but the need for others to keep the fires of solidarity alive.
I assured him in my response that my only response to a Q-like request of, Oh do grow up, 007 will always be met with – I am grown up. But being grown up means accepting responsibility, accountability, and reliability…all of which I have in spades.
But growing up does not mean abandoning those things that provide a moment of fun, levity, and escapism; whether its escapism from the pressures of ones job or the escape from the horrors of war.
We all have a Bond together…
that was a very heartfelt plea for all bond fans too stay young and never give up the passion of ones happiness toward all things bond,I like that,very inspirational.
David,
I first found out about you when I read your series of articles back in 2006 (Living Like Bond), and I have to say I’ve been hooked ever since!! That was my start to the Lifestyle thing.
Although I think we would all love a jet pack, the clothes and accessories are a little more realistic. Since then, my wife has commented that I’m “Trying to change the world, one suit at a time!!”
Keep up the great work.
I love that…and she sounds like she is a good sport about it as well..
First of all just wanted to say that I absolutely love the new website and your video blogs (I’ve first started seeing them on Bond Lifestyle). As basically the only Bond fan among my friends I love to come online and be able to laugh and share the experience (even if just by watching and reading) the various James Bond websites including yours.
I have to say that I was as surprised to read that you were selling some of your collection’s items, but after your last entry I understood the reasons. It is quite an amazing collection (My jaw drops every time I see the videos) This entry got me teary-eyed and again it reminded me how the internet can be such a wonderful way to connect people. Some in very difficult situations to cope and deal with their everyday lives.
Like it was said above this was inspirational. Thank you!
I am so glad you were moved…I was as well…some times we take for granted that we are safe and secure, but when you hear of those that do not have that luxury and yet still find moments to create an escape, a fantasy…well, its just heartening…
All the best to that anonymous man in the war torn country…Be Blessed Bro! Thanks Dave for the awesome site that lets all of us connect, and thanks Remmert for Bondlifestyle. As a father of 3 a dedicated HUsband, son and grandson i try my best to make sure all that around me are happy – and that i fulfill all my responsibilities as a man. My hobby and passion in living the Bond lifestyle just gives me that extra burst of fun and enjoyment! I always try to do this: Get all the things that money cant buy first , such as family, friends, and a great wife. Than things that money can buy will follow . Eventough my lifestyle is 180degrees compared to Bonds lifestyle , there are some elements such as clothing, and activities that i can still do that make me happy and confident the Bond way….Thanks for all the passion and awesomeness guys keep it up
Thanks…the passion is infectious!